Vela joins Baggies on loan

Friday 28 January 2011 20:44 BST

Carlos Vela

West Brom have secured the loan signing of Arsenal striker Carlos Vela until the end of the season.

The Mexico international, who went to last year's World Cup, has been a peripheral figure for the Gunners this season, making just 13 appearances, with his brace against Braga in September the last of his three goals so far.

In total he has made 62 appearances for Arsene Wenger's men, scoring 11 times.

Vela has previously gone on loan to Salamanca and Osasuna in Spain, and will give Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo an extra attacking option as he looks to stave off relegation.

The 21-year-old penned a long-term deal with Arsenal in December 2009, and is highly rated by the club, as well as by his country, for whom he has already netted nine times in 33 appearances.

"I'd like to officially welcome Carlos, who is an exciting signing for this club," said Di Matteo.

"Carlos is a new attacking option for us who can play both centrally and in the wide areas.

"He also has great technical ability and pace and we're hoping he can make a big impact during the remainder of the season.

"There's no doubt that Carlos has the potential to become a great player and it will hopefully be a win-win situation, where we help him by giving him game time in the Premier League while he helps us achieve our goal.

"Having said all that, we have to remember he is still a young boy learning his trade and we will be giving him all the support he needs during his time here."